The Bloodhound is a nose with a dog attached. He possesses the most powerful sense of smell in the canine world. A Bloodhound can follow a scent that is days old, across miles of difficult terrain, and even through water. His tracking ability is so reliable that his evidence is admissible in a court of law.

But when he is not on the trail, the Bloodhound is a gentle, affectionate, and somewhat goofy giant. With his long, droopy ears, wrinkled face, and soulful eyes, he is impossible not to love. He is patient with children (who often climb on him) and tolerant of other dogs. However, his size and slobber can be a challenge for the fastidious housekeeper.

History and Origin: The St. Hubert Hound

The Bloodhound is an ancient breed. His ancestors were likely the St. Hubert Hounds bred by monks at the Abbey of St. Hubert in Belgium around 1000 AD. These hounds were prized for their ability to track game (deer and boar). They were brought to England by William the Conqueror in 1066. The name “Bloodhound” does not refer to bloodthirstiness. It means “Blooded Hound,” or a hound of pure blood (aristocratic breeding). For centuries, they were the status symbol of royalty. Queen Victoria was a fan and entered her Bloodhounds in one of the first dog shows.

In America, the Bloodhound gained fame as a man-trailer. Law enforcement agencies used them to track escaped convicts and missing children. The most famous Bloodhound was Nick Carter, who is credited with finding more than 600 criminals in the early 1900s. One trail he followed was 104 hours old!

Physical Characteristics

The Bloodhound is a large, powerful dog. He has plenty of bone and substance.

• Height: Males 25-27 inches (64-69 cm); Females 23-25 inches (58-64 cm).
• Weight: Males 90-110 pounds (41-50 kg); Females 80-100 pounds (36-45 kg).

Distinctive Features

• Head: The most defining feature. It is narrow and long. The skin is loose and falls in deep folds (wrinkles) around the forehead and cheeks.
• Ears: Extremely long, low-set, and soft. They sweep scents toward the nose.
• Eyes: Deeply sunken, with diamond-shaped lids (ectropion). The expression is noble and dignified.
• Lips: Long and hanging (flews). This contributes to the drool.
• Coat: Short and hard. The skin is thin and loose.
• Colors: Black and tan, liver and tan, or red.
• Tail: Carried high in a curve, like a saber.

Temperament and Personality: The Gentle Giant

Bloodhounds are famously gentle.

The Lover

They are affectionate and crave human contact. They are pack animals who want to be with their family. They are generally excellent with children and other dogs. However, their size means they can accidentally knock over a toddler.

The Nose

But outside, the nose rules. If they catch a scent, they are gone. They are single-minded tracking machines. They cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas.

The Stubborn Streak

They are independent thinkers. If they don’t want to do something, they will go boneless and become a 100-pound rug. You cannot force a Bloodhound to do anything.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise

The Bloodhound needs moderate exercise.

• Daily: A long walk on a leash is mandatory.
• Tracking: If you don’t use him for tracking, find another scent-based game. Tracking trials are excellent.

Training

Training a Bloodhound requires patience and food.

• Positive Reinforcement: Treats work best. He loves to eat.
• Recall: Forget it. Use a long line.
• Leash Manners: Because of his strength, he must be taught not to pull early.

Health and Lifespan

Bloodhounds are generally healthy, living 10 to 12 years.

• Bloat (GDV): Deep-chested dogs are at high risk. This is the #1 killer of Bloodhounds.
• Eye Issues: Ectropion (droopy eyelids), Entropion (eyelids rolling in), and Cherry Eye.
• Ear Infections: Their long, heavy ears trap moisture. Weekly cleaning is mandatory.
• Skin Infections: The folds must be kept clean and dry.
• Hip Dysplasia: Common in large breeds.

Grooming and Care

The Bloodhound is high-maintenance in the drool department.

• Wrinkles: Clean facial folds daily to prevent infection.
• Ears: Clean weekly.
• Drool: Keep a “slobber towel” handy. You will find drool on the walls, the ceiling, and your clothes.
• Brushing: Weekly brushing with a hound glove.
• Bathing: As needed. They have a distinct “hound odor.”

Nutrition

Bloodhounds love food.

• Obesity: They gain weight easily. Measure food.
• Bloat: Feed two smaller meals and avoid exercise after eating. A slow-feeder bowl is recommended.

Is a Bloodhound Right for You?

The Bloodhound is a unique and challenging breed.

Yes, if:

• You want a gentle, affectionate family dog.
• You have a large, securely fenced yard.
• You are patient with stubbornness.
• You don’t mind drool and hound smell.

No, if:

• You want a pristine house.
• You want an off-leash dog.
• You live in an apartment.
• You want a dog that obeys instantly.

For the person who appreciates a dog with history, heart, and a nose that knows, the Bloodhound is a loyal, loving, and deeply soulful friend.